15 Electric Circuit Analysis: If The Source Is... The Analysis Type Is..

EMAG: Chapter 15: Electric Circuit Analysis (UP19980818) Page 1 of 26
15 Electric Circuit Analysis

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15.1 What Circuit Analysis Is

Electric circuit analysis determines the voltage and current distribution in an electric circuit due to
applied source voltages or currents. The type of source determines the type of analysis you do, as
follows:
If the source is... The analysis type is...

AC Harmonic
DC Static
Time-varying Transient
Realizing the full potential of FEA simulation in electromagnetics requires complete flexibility in
simulating circuit-fed electromagnetic devices. The ANSYS program has the following capabilities for
circuit analysis:
z A modified nodal analysis method for simulating circuits

z Direct coupling of circuits to stranded coils and massive conductors
z Coupling for both 2-D and 3-D models
z Support for DC, AC, and time-transient simulations.
The advanced circuit-coupled simulation available in the ANSYS program allows for accurate
simulation of items such as those listed below:
z Solenoid actuators
z Transformers
z AC machines.
15.2 Using Element CIRCU124

ANSYS provides a general circuit element, CIRCU124, for simulating linear circuits. The circuit
elements solve for unknown nodal voltages (and currents, in some instances). Electric circuits consist of
components such as resistors, inductors, mutual inductors, capacitors, independent current and voltage
sources, and dependent current and voltage sources. You can model all of these using CIRCU124.
Note-This chapter describes some of the most important characteristics of CIRCU124. For a complete
http://tigger.uic.edu/depts/accc/software/ansys/html/guide_55/g-ele/GELE15.htm 12/9/2010
description of the element, see the ANSYS Elements Reference.
15.2.1 Circuit Components Available in CIRCU124

How you set KEYOPT(1) for the CIRCU124 element determines which type of circuit component the
ANSYS program creates, as shown below in Table 15-1. For example, setting KEYOPT(1) to 2 causes
CIRCU124 to model a capacitor. For all circuit components, positive current flows from node I to node
J.
Table 15-1 Circuit components which the CIRCU124 element can model
KEYOPT(1)
Circuit Option and Graphics Label Real Constants
Setting
Resistor (R) 0 R1 = Resistance (RES)
R1 = Inductance (IND)
Inductor (L) 1
R2 = Initial inductor current (ILO)
R1 = Capacitance (CAP)
Capacitor (C) 2 R2 = Initial Capacitor Voltage
(VCO)
R1 = Primary Inductance (IND1)
Mutual Inductor (K) 8 R2 = Secondary Inductance (IND2)
R3 = Coupling Coefficient (K)
Voltage-controlled Current Source (G) 9 R1 = Transconductance (GT)
Current-Controlled Current Source (F) 12 R1 = Current Gain (AI)
Voltage-Controlled Voltage Source (E) 10 R1 = Voltage Gain (AV)
Current-Controlled Voltage Source (H) 11 R1 = Transresistance (RT)
Stranded Coil Current Source (N) 5 R1 = Factor (SCAL)
2D Massive Conductor Voltage Source
6 R1 = Factor (SCAL)
(M)
3D Massive Conductor Voltage Source
7 R1 = Factor (SCAL)
(P)
Note-For all of the circuit options shown in Table 15-1 and in Figure 15-1 below, the following real
constants are created automatically by the ANSYS Circuit Builder: R15 (graphical offset, GOFFST) and
R16 (element identification number (ID). See Section 15.3 for a discussion of the Circuit Builder.
Figure 15-1 below shows you the different circuit components created by different KEYOPT(1) settings.
Nodes shown next to the component symbol are "floating" nodes (they are not attached to the circuit
directly).
Figure 15-1 Circuit components available in the CIRCU124 element
15.2.2 Load Types for CIRCU124

The KEYOPT(2) setting for CIRCU124 lets you specify the type of excitation for the Independent
Current Source and Independent Voltage Source options. You can specify a sinusoid, pulse, exponential,
or a piecewise linear excitation for current or voltage. See Figure 4.124-4 of the ANSYS Elements
Reference for diagrams of the load functions and the corresponding real constants.
15.2.3 Coupling the FEA Domain to the Circuit Domain

Three circuit components are available to couple the FEA domain to the circuit domain. These
components, shown in Figure 15-2, hook directly into conductors in the finite element model. (Direct
coupling occurs in matrix form, and thus is linear.)
Figure 15-2 Coupled circuit components
No eddy currents can exist in the stranded coil connection. The Magnetic Vector Potential (MVP) and
current determine the coil voltage. Expressed as equations, the connection is:
In the equations above, Rc is the coil resistance, nc is the number of coil turns, and Sc is the coil cross-
section area.
The massive conductor connections take skin effects into account. In these conductors, the MVP and
voltage determine the total current. Expressed as equations, the connection is:
In the two equations above, Lc is the conductor length and is the voltage drop.
The ANSYS program achieves coupling via two additional degrees of freedom to circuit component and
FEA conductor elements. The characteristics of these DOFs are as follows:
z CURR - The current flowing through the circuit and the modeled conductor
z EMF - The voltage drop across the modeled conductor (2-D stranded, 2-D massive, and 3-D
stranded conductors)
z VOLT - The electric potential in a 3-D massive conductor
15.3 Using the Circuit Builder

For all circuit analyses, you first need to build a circuit model using the CIRCU124 element. The
preferred method for building the circuit is to use the Circuit Builder, an interactive builder available in
the ANSYS graphical user interface (GUI). The Circuit Builder performs the tasks listed below:
z Enables you to select circuit components and place them at the desired location in the circuit with
the help of a mouse
z Creates a model of the circuit interactively
z Assigns "real" constants to circuit components and allows you to edit them
z Assigns excitation to independent sources
z Verifies excitation graphically
z Provides an interactive connection to the FEA domain
z Lets you specify source loads for voltage and current source components.
The Circuit Builder establishes the element types, real constants, and node and element definitions. It
sets up multiple element types, one for each circuit element. As with any other GUI feature, the Circuit
Builder writes to the log file all the commands used to create the circuit elements.
15.3.1 Building a Circuit

To build a circuit, activate the ANSYS GUI and use the procedure described below. These additional
tips also may help you:
z Circuit icons are fixed size. To set focus and distance in the GUI, issue the Circuit Builder's
"Center WP" option.
z Consider displaying two windows: one for the circuit and the other for your model.
z Remember to ground the circuit at one node. To do so, either choose Main
Menu>Preprocessor>Loads>-Loads-Apply>-Electric-Boundary> -Voltage-On Nodes or issue
the D command with the VOLT label.
1. Choose menu path Main Menu>Preferences. The Preferences dialog box appears.
2. Choose "Electromagnetic" if you are planning to do a circuit-coupled electromagnetic analysis.

Choose "Electric" if you are just running a circuit analysis.
3. Choose Utility Menu>File>Change Jobname. In the dialog box that appears, specify a jobname for
your analysis and click on OK.
4. Choose Utility Menu>File>Change Title. In the dialog box that appears, specify a title for your
analysis and click on OK.
5. Choose Main Menu>Preprocessor>Create>Circuit. The Circuit Menu appears.
6. If you need to locate the circuit away from an existing finite element model (for instance, if you are
doing a coupled electromagnetic-circuit analysis), use the WorkPlane option on the Utility Menu to
move the working plane origin to the location where you want to start the circuit. (Otherwise, skip this
step.) The location of the circuit can be arbitrary and does not affect the analysis results. For
convenience, you can center the working plane origin in the Graphics Window by choosing Circuit
Menu>Center WP.
7. Choose the circuit component you want from the Circuit Menu and follow the prompts shown in the
ANSYS Input Window. Most choices display the "picker" you use to locate the I and J nodes of the
element and then position the circuit component by picking an offset location from the I-J line. The
length of each circuit element, and the element's location relative to other circuit elements, can be
arbitrary and does not affect analysis results. Once you have picked all necessary locations, a dialog box
appears requesting an ID number (element number) and real constants to identify the component.
8. After building the circuit, verify it and modify the data if necessary. The Plot Waveform menu
choice allows you to plot and verify the wave form of any input loads. Another menu choice, Edit Real
Cnst, allows you to check and modify the real constants of any circuit component. To delete specific
circuit components, choose Main Menu>Preprocessor>Delete.
The Circuit Builder is the most convenient way to construct a circuit. However, you can also build a
circuit by individually defining each node, element type, element, and real constant.
Once you have built the circuit, you are ready to perform a static, harmonic, or transient analysis (the
source determines the type of analysis).
15.4 Avoiding Inconsistent Circuits

You should avoid building electric circuits that are inconsistent. The following section illustrates
inconsistent circuits.
15.4.1 DC and Harmonic Analyses

15.4.1.1 Voltage Generators Should not Form a Loop
In Figure 15-3 monitoring Kirchoff's loop equation on the lower loop, what is the voltage between node
1 and 2? If V1 and V2 are not equal, the voltage forces are inconsistent. Note that voltage generators
form a loop as shown in Figure 15-3. Even if V1 and V2 were consistent, numerical solution difficulties
would occur.
Figure 15-3 Voltage generators forming a loop
The circuit in Figure 15-4 is more complicated than that shown in Figure 15-3, yet the main topological
inconsistency is still present. The voltage generators form a loop.
Figure 15-4 Voltage generators in parallel with resistors
Figure 15-5 is even more complex. But you can easily identify the inconsistent loop of voltage
generators.
Figure 15-5 Voltage generators in parallel with other circuit components
15.4.1.2 Current Generators Should Not Form a Cut
In Figure 15-6, monitoring Kirchoff's nodal equation of node 1, what is the balance? If I1 I2, then the
balance is not zero, the current forces are inconsistent. Even if I1 = I2 numerical solution difficulties
would occur.
Figure 15-6 Current generators in parallel
The circuit in Figure 15-7 is more complex. Here, the current generators have no common node.
Kirchoff's nodal law is violated on a "super-node" shown on Figure 15-7. The "super-node" is called a
cut. Current generators cannot form cuts; that is, there should be no super-node such that only current
generators are entering it.
Figure 15-7 Circuit generators and a "supernode"
15.4.2 Transient Analyses

15.4.2.1 Capacitors and Voltage Operators Should Not Form a Loop
In a transient analysis, at t=0, a capacitor can be represented by a voltage generator having the same
voltage as the initial voltage of the capacitor. See Figure 15-8.
Figure 15-8 Voltage generator and capacitor equivalence
In Figure 15-9, right after closure of the switch, the initial current distribution can be computed by the
equivalent circuit shown on the right-hand side. This is an inconsistent circuit (producing infinite
current) because the voltage generators form a loop. Thus, the DC/harmonic rule that voltage generators
should not form a loop should be applied such that the capacitors are considered as voltage generators.
Figure 15-9 Velocity generators forming a loop
15.4.3 Inductors and Current Generators Should Not Form a Cut

In a transient analysis, at t=0, an inductor can be represented by a current generator having the same
current as the initial current of the inductor. See Figure 15-10.
Figure 15-10 Current generator and inductor equivalence
In Figure 15-11, right after the closure of the switch, the initial voltage distribution can be computed by
the equivalent circuit shown on the right-hand side. This is an inconsistent circuit (producing infinite
voltage) because the current generators form a cut. Thus, the DC/harmonic rule that the current
generators should not form a cut should be applied such that the inductors are considered as current
generators.
Figure 15-11 Current generators forming a cut
These circuits are contradictory, and they do not have physical meanings. Therefore, the ANSYS
program cannot detect them.
15.5 Static (DC) Electric Circuit Analysis

In a static (DC) electric circuit analysis, you determine the voltage and current distribution in an electric
circuit that is subjected to applied DC source voltages or currents. Static circuit analyses allow all circuit
components.
15.5.1 Building a Circuit for Static Analysis

In a static analysis, the ANSYS program treats capacitors as open circuits and inductors as short circuits.
You use a small resistance to represent the short circuit. To represent a short circuit condition exactly,
couple the two nodes of the inductor in the VOLT degree of freedom, using one of the following:
Command(s):
CP
GUI:
Main Menu>Preprocessor>Coupling/Ceqn>/Couple DOFs
Once you have built the circuit, you apply loads and obtain the solution, then view the results.
15.5.2 Applying Loads and Solving the Static Analysis

You need to define the analysis type and options, apply loads, and initiate the finite element solution. To
accomplish these tasks, follow the steps listed below.
15.5.2.1 Enter the SOLUTION Processor
To enter the SOLUTION processor, use either of the following:
Command(s):
/SOLU
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution
15.5.2.2 Define the Analysis Type
To specify the analysis type, do either of the following:
z In the GUI, choose menu path Main Menu>Solution>New Analysis and choose a Static analysis.
z If this is a new analysis, issue the command ANTYPE,STATIC,NEW.
Restarting an analysis usually is required only for continuing a transient circuit analysis.
15.5.2.3 Apply Loads on the Model
Normally, you specify source loads for circuits in the Circuit Builder, as element real constants. Besides
the source loads, the only other "load" is a VOLT=0 specification at the ground nodes. To specify
VOLT=0, use either of the following:
Command(s):
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>-Loads-Apply>-Electric-Boundary>-Voltage- On Nodes
Should you need to modify the source loads, use one of the following:
Command(s):
R, RMODIF
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Other>Change RealConst
Note-The RMODIF command has no GUI equivalent.
15.5.2.4 Copy the Database
Use either the SAVE command or the SAVE_DB button on the Toolbar to save a backup copy of the
ANSYS database.
15.5.2.5 Start the Solution
To start calculating the solution, use one of the following:
Command(s):
SOLVE
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Current LS
15.5.2.6 Apply Additional Loads
If you want to apply additional loads, repeat steps 3 and 4.
15.5.2.7 Finish the Solution
To leave the SOLUTION processor, use one of the following:
Command(s):
FINISH
GUI:
Main Menu>Finish
15.5.3 Reviewing Results from a Static Circuit Analysis

The ANSYS program writes results from a static (DC) circuit analysis to the results file, Jobname.RTH.
The results are two types of primary data: nodal voltages (VOLT) and nodal currents (CURR). The
following derived data calculated for each element also are available:
z Element voltage drop (VOLTAGE)

z Element current (CURRENT)
z Element control voltage (CONTROL VOLT)
z Element control current (CONTROL CURR)

z Element power (POWER)
z Element applied load (SOURCE).
For more information about the derived results, see the ANSYS Elements Reference.
You can review analysis results in POST1, the general postprocessor, by choosing either of the
following:
Command(s):
/POST1
GUI:
Main Menu>General Postproc
To review results in POST1, the ANSYS database must contain the same model for which the solution
was calculated. Also, the results file (Jobname.RTH) must be available.
To read the data from the results file into the database, use either of the following:
Command(s):
SET
GUI:
Utility Menu>List>Results>Load Step Summary
Once the database contains the desired set of results, use one of the following to list the primary nodal
data (voltages and currents):
Command(s):
PRNSOL
GUI:
Main Menu>General Postproc>List Results>Nodal Solution
To list the derived element results, use one of the following:
Command(s):
PRESOL
GUI:
Main Menu>General Postproc>List Results>Element Solution
15.6 Harmonic (AC) Electric Circuit Analysis

In a harmonic (AC) electric circuit analysis, you determine the voltage and current distribution in an
electric circuit that is subjected to applied AC source voltages or currents. Harmonic circuit analyses
allow all circuit components.
15.6.1 Building a Circuit for Harmonic Analysis

To do this, you simply follow the procedure described in Section 15.3.1, "Building a Circuit."
15.6.2 Applying Loads and Solving the Analysis

Command(s):
/SOLU
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution
z In the GUI, choose menu path Main Menu>Solution>New Analysis and choose a Harmonic
analysis.
z If this is a new analysis, issue the command ANTYPE,HARMIC,NEW.
15.6.2.3 Specify an Equation Solver
To specify the equation solver to use, use either of the following:
Command(s):
EQSLV
GUI:
Main Menu>Preprocessor>Loads>Analysis Options
Only the frontal (default) and sparse solvers are available for problems using the CIRCU124 element.
15.6.2.4 Specify a Solution Listing Format
You need to specify how the harmonic voltage and current are listed in the printed output,
Jobname.OUT. You can choose either real and imaginary parts (default) or amplitudes and phase angles.
To specify the listing format, use one of the following:
Command(s):
HROUT
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Analysis Options
Command(s):
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Apply>Potential>On Nodes
Command(s):
R, RMODIF
GUI:
15.6.2.6 Specify Load Step Options
You can specify one dynamics option, the operating frequency (in Hz) of the harmonic loads. To specify
the frequency, use either method shown below:
Command(s):
HARFRQ
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Time/Frequenc>Freq and Substps
The only general option you can specify is the number of harmonic solutions. You can requests any
number of solutions to be calculated, and those solutions (or substeps) will be spaced evenly within the
specified operating frequency. For example, if you specify 10 solutions in the range 50 to 60 Hz, the
ANSYS program will calculate the response at 51, 52, 53, ..., 59, and 60 Hz. ANSYS calculates no
response at the lower end of the frequency range.
To specify the number of harmonic solutions, use either of the following:
Command(s):
NSUBST
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Time/Frequenc>Freq and Substps
ANSYS database.
Command(s):
SOLVE
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Current LS
15.6.2.9 Apply Additional Loads
If you want to apply additional loads, repeat steps 4 through 6.
Command(s):
FINISH
GUI:
Main Menu>Finish
15.6.3 Reviewing Results from a Harmonic Circuit Analysis

The ANSYS program writes results from a harmonic circuit analysis to the results file, Jobname.RTH.
The results are out-of-phase with the input source loads (that is, they lag the input source loads), so they
are complex in nature. The results are calculated and stored in terms of real and imaginary components,
and consist of two types of primary data: nodal voltages (VOLT) and nodal currents (CURR).
The derived data for a harmonic circuit analysis are the same as for a static circuit analysis, and you use
the same procedures to review results. However, for harmonic analyses, you can also store results per
element in the element table and list them using one of the following:
Command(s):
PRETAB
GUI:
Main Menu>General Postproc>List Results>Elem Table Data
15.7 Transient Electric Circuit Analysis

A transient electric circuit analysis analyzes an electric circuit subjected to time-varying source voltage
or currents. The analysis determines the voltage and current distribution in an electric circuit as a
function of time. Transient circuit analyses allow all circuit components.
15.7.1 Building a Circuit for Transient Analysis

To do this, you simply follow the procedure described in Section 15.3.1, "Building a Circuit." You will
need to specify the following loads in the Circuit Builder as real constants:
z Source loads for independent current and voltage sources.

z Initial conditions, such as the initial current in inductors and the initial charge in capacitors.
z Wave form loads, which can be sinusoidal, pulse, exponential, or piecewise linear. (For details,
see the CIRCU124 element description in the ANSYS Elements Reference.)
One you have built the circuit, you apply loads to and solve the model and then review the results. Other
points to remember when doing a transient circuit analysis are:
z Circuits in a transient analysis do not use an automatic time-stepping feature. However, you can
use invoking automatic time-stepping to ramp the time step. (Doing this increase the time step by
3X each time point until the maximum time step is reached.)

z During a transient solution, you can change real constants. Although this is accurate only when
used together with the ANSYS restart procedure, it is useful for simulating a switch with a
resistor.
z For processing transient results, the ANSYS GUI has a special section for circuit elements. This
enables you to process nodal voltages and currents and element-specific results.
15.7.2 Applying Loads and Solving the Static Analysis

Command(s):
SOLU
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution
z In the GUI, choose menu path Main Menu>Solution>New Analysis and choose a Transient
analysis.
z If this is a new analysis, issue the command ANTYPE,TRANSIENT,NEW.
You can restart (continue) a transient analysis from a previously completed transient run, and you can
modify circuit component real constants. However, the Jobname.EMAT, Jobname.ESAV, and
Jobname.DB files must be available to restart an analysis.
15.7.2.3 Choose an Equation Solver
To choose an equation solver, use either of the following:
Command(s):
EQSLV
GUI:
Main Menu>Preprocessor>Loads>Analysis Options
Only the frontal (default) and sparse solvers are available for problems using the CIRCU124 element.
Command(s):
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Apply>Potential>On Nodes
Command(s):
R, RMODIF
GUI:
15.7.2.5 Specify Load Step Options
To include transient effects in the analysis, you must turn time integration effects on or else a static
solution will be performed. By default, time integration effects are on in a transient analysis, but you can
turn them off to obtain a static solution.
To turn time integration effects on, use one of the following:
Command(s):
TIMINT
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Time/Frequenc>Time Integration
General Options
You can specify three general options: time, the integration time step, and automatic time stepping.
To specify the time at the end of a load step, use one of the following:
Command(s):
TIME
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Time/Frequenc>Time and Substps

Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Time/Frequenc>Time - Time Step
The integration time step is the time increment used in the time integration scheme. The time step size
determines the accuracy of the solution: the smaller the value, the higher the accuracy. To specify time
step size, use either of the following:
Command(s):
DELTIM
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Time/Frequenc>Time - Time Step
Use the DTIME field to specify initial time step size, the DTMIN field to specify minimum time step
size, and DTMAX to specify maximum time step size.
Although in circuit analysis you cannot use automatic time stepping to increase or decrease the time step
size automatically, you can use it to increase from an initial time step size to a final time step size. A
factor of 3 is applied each time step to the time increment until the maximum time step size is reached.
To turn automatic time stepping on, use one of the following:
Command(s):
AUTOTS
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Time/Frequenc>Time and Substps

Main Menu>Solution>-Load Step Opts-Time/Frequenc>Time -Time Step
In cases where sharp changes exist in the source load wave form, you should break a transient analysis
into several load steps. At the time when these sharp transitions take place, specify a new load step and
re-specify the time step options if necessary to get a small initial time step at the transition point.
Output Controls
You can include any results data in the printed output file (Jobname.OUT). To use this option, choose
either of the following:
Command(s):
OUTPR
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Output Ctrls>Solu Printout
By default, the printed output consists of just summary messages.
To control what data goes to the results file (Jobname.RTH), choose either of the following:
Command(s):
OUTRES
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Output Ctrls>DB/Results File
Note-By default, the ANSYS program writes only the last substep of each load step to the results file. If
you want all substeps included on the results file, set the FREQ field to ALL or 1.
15.7.2.6 Create Load Step Files
You must write the each load step to a load step file. Repeat the loading, load step options, and load step
file writing operations until all load steps have been specified.
To write a load step file, use one of the following:
Command(s):
LSWRITE
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>Write LS File
ANSYS database.
Command(s):
LSSOLVE
GUI:
Main Menu>Solution>From LS Files
Command(s):
FINISH
GUI:
Main Menu>Finish
15.7.3 Reviewing Results from a Transient Circuit Analysis

The ANSYS program writes results from a transient circuit analysis to the results file, Jobname.RTH.
The results consist of two types of primary data: nodal voltages (VOLT) and nodal currents (CURR).
The following derived data calculated for each element also are available:
z Element voltage drop (VOLTAGE)

z Element current (CURRENT)
z Element control voltage (CONTROL VOLT)
z Element control current (CONTROL CURR)
z Element power (POWER)
z Element applied load (SOURCE).
For more information about the derived results, see the ANSYS Elements Reference.
You can review analysis results in either POST1, the general postprocessor, or POST26, the time-history
postprocessor. POST1 allows you to review results over the entire model at specific time points.
POST26 allows you to review results at specific points in the model over the entire transient.
Using POST26
To use the time-history postprocessor, use either of the following:
Command(s):
/POST26
GUI:
Main Menu>TimeHist Postpro
To read the data from the results file into the database, use either of the following:
Command(s):
SET
GUI:
Utility Menu>List>Results>Load Step Summary
POST26 works with tables of result items, known as variables, versus time. Each variable is assigned a
reference number, with variable number 1 reserved for time. The first thing you do, then, is define the
variables using the commands or menu paths shown below.
To define variables for primary data:
Command(s):
NSOL
GUI:
Main Menu>TimeHist Postpro>Elec&Mag>Circuit>Define Variables
To define variables for element data:
Command(s):
ESOL
GUI:
To define variables for reaction data:
Command(s):
RFORCE
GUI:
Once you have defined the variables, you can graph them versus time or any other variable. To do so,
use either of the following:
Command(s):
PLVAR
GUI:
Main Menu>TimeHist Postpro>Graph Variables
To list just the extreme variable values, use either of the following:
Command(s):
EXTREM
GUI:
Main Menu>TimeHist Postpro>List Extremes
By reviewing the time-history results at strategic points throughout the model, you can identify the
critical time points for further postprocessing in POST1.
Using POST1
The first step in using POST1 is to read in results at the desired time point. To do so, use the TIME field
on the SET command or its equivalent menu path, Utility Menu>List>Results>Load Step Summary.
If you specify a time value for which no results are available, ANSYS does linear interpolation to
calculate the results at that time. ANSYS uses the last time point if the time specified is beyond the time
span of the transient. (You can also identify the results to be read by their load step and substep
numbers.)
Once the database contains the desired set of results, use one of the following to list the primary nodal
data (voltages and currents):
Command(s):
PRNSOL
GUI:
Main Menu>General Postproc>List Results>Nodal Solution
To list the derived element results, use one of the following:
Command(s):
PRESOL
GUI:
Main Menu>General Postproc>List Results>Element Solution
15.8 Doing an Example Harmonic Circuit

Analysis (Command Method)
A circuit consists of two resistors, and inductor, an independent voltage source, an independent current
source, and a current-controlled current source. Determine the voltage at node 4 in the circuit (Refer to
the figure below).
You can perform the example AC (harmonic) circuit analysis using the ANSYS commands shown
below instead of GUI choices. Items prefaced with an exclamation point (!) are comments.
/BATCH,LIST
/PREP7
/TITLE, AC CIRCUIT ANALYSIS
/COM, SEE SCHAUMS OUTLINE "BASIC CIRCUIT ANALYSIS", 2ND ED, 1992,
/NOPR
ET,1,CIRCU124,4 ! VOLTAGE SOURCE
ET,2,CIRCU124,3 ! CURRENT SOURCE
ET,3,CIRCU124,0 ! RESISTOR
ET,4,CIRCU124,1 ! INDUCTOR
ET,5,CIRCU124,12 ! CURRENT CONTROLLED CURRENT SOURCE
R,1,15,30 ! VOLTAGE SOURCE

R,2,5,-45 ! CURRENT SOURCE
R,3,3 ! R1
R,4,2 ! R2
R,5,4 ! L1
R,6,-3 ! CCCS GAIN
N,1
NGEN,10,1,1,1,1
TYPE,1
REAL,1
E,2,1,7 ! V1
TYPE,3
REAL,3
E,2,3 ! R1
TYPE,4
REAL,5
E,3,1 ! L1
TYPE,3
REAL,4
E,3,4 ! R2
TYPE,5
REAL,6
E,3,4,5,2,1,7 ! CCCS
TYPE,2
REAL,2
E,1,4 ! C1
FINISH
/SOLU
ANTYP,HARM
D,1,VOLT,0
PI=4*ATAN(1)
HARFRQ,1/(2*PI)
OUTPR,ALL,ALL
HROUT,OFF
SOLVE
FINISH
/POST1
SET,1,1 ! READ IN REAL SOLUTION
PRESOL,ELEM ! PRINT CIRCUIT SOLUTION PER ELEMENT
SET,1,1,,1 ! READ IN IMAGINARY SOLUTION
PRESOL,ELEM ! PRINT CIRCUIT SOLUTION PER ELEMENT
FINISH
Target Solution, Node 4: V = 14.44 -j 1.41
15.9 Where to Find Other Examples

Several ANSYS publications, particularly the ANSYS Verification Manual and the ANSYS Tutorials,
describe additional structural static analyses.
The ANSYS Verification Manual consists of test case analyses demonstrating the analysis capabilities of
the ANSYS family of products. While these test cases demonstrate solutions to realistic analysis
problems, the ANSYS Verification Manual does not present them as step-by-step examples with lengthy
data input instructions and printouts. However, most ANSYS users who have at least limited finite
element experience should be able to fill in the missing details by reviewing each test case's finite
element model and input data with accompanying comments.
The following list shows you some of the structural static analysis test cases that the ANSYS Verification
Manual includes:
VM117 Electric Current Flowing in a Network
VM207 Stranded Coil Excited by External Circuit
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EMAG: Chapter 15: Electric Circuit Analysis (UP19980818) Page 1 of 26

15 Electric Circuit Analysis

Chapter 1 * Chapter 2 * Chapter 3 * Chapter 4 * Chapter 5 * Chapter 6 * Chapter 7 * Chapter 8 *

15.1 What Circuit Analysis Is

If the source is... The analysis type is...

z A modified nodal analysis method for simulating circuits

15.2 Using Element CIRCU124

description of the element, see the ANSYS Elements Reference.

15.2.1 Circuit Components Available in CIRCU124

Figure 15-1 Circuit components available in the CIRCU124 element

15.2.2 Load Types for CIRCU124

15.2.3 Coupling the FEA Domain to the Circuit Domain

Figure 15-2 Coupled circuit components

15.3 Using the Circuit Builder

15.3.1 Building a Circuit

2. Choose "Electromagnetic" if you are planning to do a circuit-coupled electromagnetic analysis.

5. Choose Main Menu>Preprocessor>Create>Circuit. The Circuit Menu appears.

15.4 Avoiding Inconsistent Circuits

15.4.1 DC and Harmonic Analyses

Figure 15-3 Voltage generators forming a loop

Figure 15-4 Voltage generators in parallel with resistors

Figure 15-5 Voltage generators in parallel with other circuit components

15.4.1.2 Current Generators Should Not Form a Cut

Figure 15-6 Current generators in parallel

Figure 15-7 Circuit generators and a "supernode"

15.4.2 Transient Analyses

Figure 15-8 Voltage generator and capacitor equivalence

Figure 15-9 Velocity generators forming a loop

15.4.3 Inductors and Current Generators Should Not Form a Cut

Figure 15-10 Current generator and inductor equivalence

Figure 15-11 Current generators forming a cut

15.5 Static (DC) Electric Circuit Analysis

15.5.1 Building a Circuit for Static Analysis

Main Menu>Preprocessor>Coupling/Ceqn>/Couple DOFs

15.5.2 Applying Loads and Solving the Static Analysis

15.5.2.1 Enter the SOLUTION Processor

To enter the SOLUTION processor, use either of the following:

15.5.2.2 Define the Analysis Type

To specify the analysis type, do either of the following:

15.5.2.3 Apply Loads on the Model

Main Menu>Solution>-Loads-Apply>-Electric-Boundary>-Voltage- On Nodes

Main Menu>Solution>Other>Change RealConst

Note-The RMODIF command has no GUI equivalent.

15.5.2.4 Copy the Database

15.5.2.5 Start the Solution

To start calculating the solution, use one of the following:

15.5.2.6 Apply Additional Loads

If you want to apply additional loads, repeat steps 3 and 4.

15.5.2.7 Finish the Solution

To leave the SOLUTION processor, use one of the following:

15.5.3 Reviewing Results from a Static Circuit Analysis

z Element voltage drop (VOLTAGE)

z Element control current (CONTROL CURR)

Main Menu>General Postproc

Utility Menu>List>Results>Load Step Summary

Main Menu>General Postproc>List Results>Nodal Solution

To list the derived element results, use one of the following:

Main Menu>General Postproc>List Results>Element Solution

15.6 Harmonic (AC) Electric Circuit Analysis

15.6.1 Building a Circuit for Harmonic Analysis

15.6.2 Applying Loads and Solving the Analysis

15.6.2.1 Enter the SOLUTION Processor